Designing a Thematic Unit for Chinese Language Learning
Objective
Create a thematic unit that integrates teaching characters, words, grammar, and one skill (listening,
reading, speaking, or writing) around a central theme relevant to Chinese language learners.
Instructions
Select a theme: Choose a theme that is culturally relevant and interesting to your target group of Chinese
learners. Examples could include Chinese festivals, food, or travel. You can choose a lesson in a
textbook.
Develop a thematic unit: Design a unit that includes the following components:
Characters: Tasks that introduce and practice characters related to the theme.
Words: Vocabulary-building exercises that cover key words and phrases associated with the theme.
Grammar: Grammar instruction that is relevant to the theme and help students construct meaningful
sentences.
One skill (listening, reading, speaking, writing): Select one skill and design integrated tasks that help
learner develop this skill, all centered around the theme.
Learning outcomes: Define the learning outcomes, focusing on how students will improve their
language abilities within the thematic context.
Structure: In your paper, provide a detailed description of your thematic unit, including:
Introduction: Introduce the theme and its relevance to Chinese language learning.
Unit components: Describe the activities and tasks for each of the above components and how they are
interconnected within the theme.
Rationale: Provide a rationale for your thematic unit, using theories and principles of language learning
and teaching.
Conclusion: Summarize the key elements of your unit and its expected impact on students’ language
learning.
References: Include references in the APA format that support your unit design and educational approach.
Appendix (optional): If you use a lesson in a textbook, please include the lesson as an appendix.
Minimum word limit:
1200 words
Deadline:
4:30pm, April 15, 2024
Rubric of grading:
1. Introduction (10 points)
Clearly introduces the theme and its relevance to Chinese language learning. (0-5 points)
Provides a clear overview of the unit’s objectives and structure. (0-5 points)
2. Unit components (40 points)
Characters (10 points): Tasks are well-designed, relevant to the theme, and effectively promote character
learning.
Words (10 points): Vocabulary-building exercises are theme-related and enhance vocabulary acquisition.
Grammar (10 points): Grammar instruction is effectively integrated with the theme and facilitates
meaningful sentence construction.
One skill (10 points): Integrated tasks for the chosen skill (listening, reading, speaking, writing) are well-
designed, theme-centered, and support skill development.
3. Learning outcomes (10 points)
Clearly defined learning outcomes that focus on improving language abilities within the thematic
context. (0-10 points)
4. Rationale (25 points)
Provides a strong rationale for the thematic unit, effectively using theories and principles of language
learning and teaching. (0-25 points)
5. Conclusion (10 points)
Effectively summarizes the key elements of the unit and its expected impact on students’ language
learning. (0-10 points)
6. References (5 points)
Includes a list of references in APA format that support the unit design and educational approach. (0-10
points)
You can refer to the following website for guidance on APA formatting:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/
